Meter Technician I

Water Meter TechnicianUnder the general direction of the Meter Service Manager, this position performs semiskilled and skilled tasks associated with the operation, maintenance and repairs of City residential and industrial water meters. This is a skilled work installing and repairing commercial, industrial and residential water meters and indoor/outside reading devices and transmitters as well as entry-level manual labor involving training to perform maintenance and repair on municipal water distribution and purification systems. Work involves all work associated with the meter and transmission system including reading, repairing, replacing meters, transmitters, and related parts as well as setting of appointments with property owners as needed. Work also involves general maintenance at the water plant including sludge tank maintenance, housekeeping, and any other assistance needed by the water plant mechanics, water plant electrician or water plant foreman. Housekeeping will include sweeping, mopping, dusting, washing of floors and windows, and any other needs not covered by the basic janitorial service. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. Safety equipment such as hardhat, safety glasses, reflective vest, gloves, and steel-toed shoes, SCBA, respirator and other protective equipment is worn. Work is performed under the direction of a supervisor-Meter Service Manager. Assignments are generally received in the form of written or verbal directions and the employee is expected to complete assignments without detailed instructions, and responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings and feedback from the supervisor and from other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Union Contract, Personnel Rules, IDOL, and OSHA. Additional guidance may be provided through the Illinois EPA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standard. The employee has significant contact with the general public when reading, testing, repairing, and installing meters as necessary.Essential Functions• Installs and removes meters. • Keeps inventory of meters and meter reading devices and orders equipment when needed. • Inspects meters to determine defective operation, leakage, or other problems. • Performs minor repairs as required. • Installs and repairs meter reading devices. • Responds to complaints such as high-water consumption, low pressure, cross connections, and determines if the responsibility is the City's or of the resident. • Reads meters as needed including pits, specials and finals. • May service and adjust to make minor repairs to equipment, such as pumps, compressors and small gasoline engines and attachments. • May plow snow and spread salt on Water Plant property, city parking lots and sidewalks. • Posts and removes temporary street signs and notifies residents of water service disruptions. • Assists with the cleaning of sludge tanks and removes debris accordingly. • Assists with repairs of water plant mechanical equipment. • Assists with repairs of water plant electrical equipment. • Sweeps and mops floors of water plant as needed or as directed by the Plant Foreman or Director. • Clean, dusts, and washes wall, windows, ledges, railings, stairwells, equipment and other areas of the water plant as requestedMinimum Qualifications• Possession of a high school diploma or GED. • Two years of experience in meter repair, servicing or water works, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills: • Knowledge of the standards, practices, tools and techniques of meter testing, repair and servicing. • Knowledge of safety practices and precautions in meter repair and testing. • Some knowledge of plumbing and electrical concepts. • Ability to use power tools to repair and test meters. • Ability to recognize defects, damage, or irregularities in meter operations. • Ability to read water meter dials accurately. • Ability to make arithmetic computations accurately and rapidly. • Ability to communicate effectively via radio. • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports. • Ability to thoroughly clean as required. • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK Ability to work in confined spaces, bend, and crawl, climb and lift heavy objects. Ability to work in situations where the following may be present: loud noise levels, fumes, dust and dirt, wetness, rodents and temperature extremes. Ability to lift parts, climb in and out of trenches, sit or stand for extended periods of time in confined spaces. Frequent exposures to dangerous equipment, loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, extreme weather conditions, vibrations, poor lighting, fumes, wetness, gases, dirt, dust and odors. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change. DISCLAIMER : The City of North Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, military or veteran status (except dishonorable discharge), disability, or any other status protected bylaw. The City of North Chicago places a premium on teamwork and participation while encouraging creativity and individual initiative. The City of North Chicago believes that through collaboration, leadership can occur at all levels. We take our commitments seriously and strive to reach positive solutions. The duties of the job description are to be performed by demonstrating the City's core values of Commitment to Quality Service, Integrity, Innovation, and Teamwork. This job description describes a general category of jobs. To meet the needs of the City government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of any of those described and duties are subject to change as requirements of the job change. The omission of a duty does not exclude it from the position if the duty is similar, related, or a logical expectation for an individual to perform as part of the job responsibilities or if necessary to assist the City to provide services to the public under changed or unusual circumstances.Special Licenses & RequirementsPossession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Ability to obtain commercial driver's license with one (1) year of obtaining a position within this classification standard.